The Honest Truth On Yesim eSIM

Managing mobile data while travelling used to be one of the most annoying parts of my trips. I’d find myself swapping SIM cards at every border, juggling multiple plans, or constantly checking if I had enough data to share with my travel buddy. It was exhausting—and honestly, it distracted from actually enjoying the journey.

Everything changed when I started using eSIMs. Suddenly, I could set up a local connection in minutes, without carrying stacks of physical SIM cards or dealing with complicated kiosks. It felt like a small but powerful freedom, my phone was ready to connect as soon as I stepped off the plane.

The real game-changer, though, was sharing my connection through hotspotting.

On one road trip across New Zealand, I could keep my friend’s phone online while navigating through remote stretches of the South Island. No more interruptions, no more scrambling for Wi-Fi, and no more worrying about running out of data halfway through the day.

Unlimited data took it one step further. Whether I was streaming music during long drives or uploading photos from a hiking trail, I never had to stop or ration my usage. It made travelling together smoother, less stressful, and far more enjoyable.

If you’ve ever wanted to stay connected freely, share your internet with friends, and travel without worrying about data, here’s everything I’ve learned about making it happen with Yesim eSIM.

What Is An eSIM?

When I first heard about eSIMs, I thought it was just another tech gimmick—but it quickly became one of my favourite travel tools. So much so that I’ve written and compared all about the best eSIMs for different countries:

North America & Central America

• Best eSIM for the USA
• Best eSIM for Costa Rica

Europe

• Best eSIM for Europe

Asia

• Best eSIM for Malaysia
• Best eSIM for Indonesia
• Best eSIM for Taiwan
• Best eSIM for Thailand
• Best eSIM for Philippines

Oceania

• Best eSIM for New Zealand
• Best eSIM for Australia

South America

• Best eSIM for Colombia

An eSIM is essentially a digital SIM card embedded in your phone or device. Instead of swapping physical SIM cards whenever you cross a border, you can download a SIM profile straight onto your device.

The biggest perk? I don’t have to carry piles of SIMs or worry about losing them while on the move.

On a recent road trip across the USA, I was constantly hopping between cities on the East Coast. I could pre-load my eSIM before arriving in each destination, and by the time I reached Boston after a long drive through winding highways, I already had full connectivity.

How eSIMs Work

The way an eSIM works is pretty straightforward once you try it. You download a profile through an app or scan a QR code provided by your eSIM provider.

Once installed, your phone treats it like any other SIM—but all the management happens digitally. You can switch between networks, upgrade or downgrade your plan, or even add multiple numbers on 1 device.

On my last Europe retreat trip, I was sharing hotspots with my travel buddy so we could both navigate the remote trails.

Having an eSIM means you can automatically and quickly switch to a stronger local network when you hit areas with patchy coverage. It saved us hours of frustration and kept our plans on track without having to hunt for a café with Wi-Fi.

Digital SIM Vs Physical SIM

Physical SIMs still have their place, especially for older devices, but the digital nature of an eSIM makes life so much simpler.

With a physical SIM, I’d have to buy a new card in every country, register it, and hope the store clerk understood my plan. On one road trip in Hokkaido, I spent almost an hour in a tiny town trying to figure out local SIM options—it was exhausting.

With an eSIM, all of that disappears. I simply download the plan, and my phone is ready. There’s no swapping cards, no confusing paperwork, and no risk of losing a SIM on the road.

Plus, I can keep my home number active while using a local network—a lifesaver for staying in touch with family without missing calls or messages.

Why Yesim eSIM For Travel

Yesim eSIM quickly became one of my go‑to solutions.

It’s a prepaid digital SIM designed with travellers in mind: you choose and install data plans through a mobile app, and your phone connects to local networks without you ever needing a physical SIM card.

Global Coverage

One of Yesim’s biggest strengths is its wide international coverage – more than 200 countries and regions from Asia to Europe and the Americas.

Here’s an idea of Yesim’s key regional reach:

• Asia‑Pacific: Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Hong Kong, Macau, China, Taiwan, India, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, the Philippines, Indonesia, Cambodia and Sri Lanka.
• Europe & UK: Coverage across more than 33 countries including major destinations such as Spain, France and the UK.
• Americas: Includes the USA, Canada and Mexico.
• Other Destinations: Turkey, Kenya, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Liechtenstein and many more.

This breadth makes Yesim particularly handy for multi‑stop trips or road trips across several countries, so you can stay online without constantly hunting for new SIMs.

Flexible Data Plans For Every Trip

Yesim doesn’t just offer coverage — it gives you real flexibility in how much data you use and how long you need it for. Inside the app, you’ll find everything from short-term daily plans to weekly and monthly bundles, plus unlimited data options for heavier users.

What really stands out is how easy it is to match a plan to your travel style. Heading off on a quick city break? A daily plan keeps things simple. Travelling for longer or sharing data on a group trip? Weekly or unlimited plans often work out far better value.

To make things even easier, Yesim includes a data calculator, helping you estimate how much data you’ll actually need based on your usage. It’s a handy way to avoid overpaying — or running out of data mid-trip.

Hotspot Sharing Made Easy

One of Yesim’s most useful features – especially for group travel, is the ability to share your connection via personal hotspot. Once the eSIM is installed and active, turning on hotspot lets you share mobile internet with friends, tablets or laptops without extra fees.

This matters a lot when you’re in places without reliable Wi‑Fi or you need to connect multiple devices for maps, messaging and media — all from one data plan.

Read also:
Best eSIM for The USA
Best eSIM for New Zealand
Best eSIM for Australia
Best eSIM for Vietnam

Yesim Technical Details & How It Works

Here’s the practical side of Yesim — how it functions behind the scenes so you know exactly what to expect.

Fast Activation via QR Code or App

Yesim makes setup really simple. After buying a plan in the app (or on the website), you can install your eSIM either by scanning a QR code or directly through the Yesim app. Activation usually takes just a couple of minutes.

This means you can even install and activate before your trip starts, so your data is ready the moment you land.

Prepare Before You Go

One of my travel tips is to set up the eSIM on my phone before departure. That way, I’m not scrambling for Wi‑Fi at the airport or local SIM kiosks — I simply land, switch on mobile data and go. It’s a small detail, but it makes the first few hours of travel much smoother.

Device Requirements

It’s important to check if your phone supports eSIM before you buy. Yesim’s profiles work on most modern iOS and Android devices that support eSIM technology — but they won’t function on older phones that lack that feature.

Data‑Only Plans (No Calls or SMS)

Yesim’s eSIM plans are data‑only, which means they don’t include a phone number for voice calls or SMS. That’s typical for travel eSIMs: you’ll use apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, FaceTime or Messenger for calls and texts over data instead.

It’s worth planning for this — if you need voice or text, make sure you have your preferred messaging apps and accounts set up before you travel.

VPN for Secure Connections

On many of Yesim’s plans (especially on Apple devices), a built‑in VPN is included to help protect your privacy while you’re using mobile data overseas. This adds a layer of security when you’re browsing on public networks or using data for sensitive tasks like banking or work.

Reliable Speeds That Depend on Local Networks

Yesim works by partnering with a huge network of local mobile operators — over 800 worldwide, so your eSIM connects to the strongest available service in each destination rather than relying on a single carrier everywhere.

In many major travel destinations, this means your data rides on well‑established 4G/5G networks.

For example, in the United States, eSIM plans often connect through industry leaders like Verizon and AT&T, both of which offer extensive 5G and 4G coverage across urban and many suburban areas.

In the United Kingdom, you’ll typically see connections via providers such as EE, O2, Vodafone and Three, all of which support 4G and 5G in towns and cities alike.

Across Europe, Yesim’s reach will often attach to carriers like Vodafone, O2, T‑Mobile and Orange depending on the country and signal availability — which usually translates to reliable mid‑range speeds in most urban and tourist regions.

In Asia, connections may run on networks like SoftBank in Japan, KT in South Korea, Chunghwa in Taiwan or Singtel in Singapore, which all support advanced mobile data standards.

However, data speeds still depend on local network quality, infrastructure and your device’s capabilities. A modern phone with 5G support will typically get faster performance in urban areas with strong 5G coverage, while speeds can slow in rural or less densely populated regions where only 3G or lower‑tier 4G signals are available.

It’s a good idea to download offline maps or important files before heading into places with patchy coverage, so you’re not caught short if the signal dips.

My Experience Using Yesim

Having used Yesim on multiple trips across Europe, and North America, I’ve gotten a clear sense of what it does well — and where it’s not perfect. It’s not a magic solution for all travel scenarios, but for most urban and popular destinations, it’s incredibly convenient.

From setting up a plan to using hotspot mode, here’s my breakdown from first-hand experience.

Pros Of Yesim

Quick And Simple Setup

One of the first things that impressed me about Yesim is the one-click eSIM installation. Unlike some providers, where you have to manually enter codes or wait for activation emails, Yesim lets you install your profile almost immediately.

On my first trip to Tokyo, I was able to scan the QR code and start using data before I even left the airport. If you’re tired of waiting in queues for local SIM cards, this alone is a huge time-saver.

Flexible, Prepaid Plans

Yesim’s prepaid structure is another plus. Whether you need daily, weekly, monthly, or unlimited plans, you aren’t locked into contracts or long-term subscriptions.

On a 2-week trip to Rottnest Island, I went with a weekly unlimited plan that allowed me to share data with my partner. This flexibility makes it easy to control costs and avoid overpaying for unused data.

VPN Support And Online Security

For iOS users, Yesim includes a free VPN, which adds a layer of security when using public Wi-Fi networks in airports, cafes, or hotels. I found this particularly useful while booking flights and accommodation on-the-go in Bangkok and London, knowing that my payment information and personal data were encrypted.

Rewards And Loyalty Programs

Another nice touch is Yesim’s loyalty and referral programs, which give cashback or credits for future purchases. I’ve personally used this to save on top-ups during longer trips, which makes repeated use more budget-friendly.

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Get a Yesim eSIM for your travels here 

Cons Of Yesim

Unlimited Plans May Experience Speed Reductions

Yesim’s unlimited data plans sound perfect for heavy users, but in practice, a Fair Usage Policy (FUP) applies depending on the local network. This means that after around 45GB of usage, speeds may be reduced. I experienced this on a day in Los Angeles when I was uploading a batch of travel videos — the connection slowed slightly, but was still usable for messaging and light browsing.

Data-Only Plans

All Yesim plans are data-only, so you won’t get traditional calls or SMS included. For most of us, this isn’t an issue — I simply rely on WhatsApp, iMessage, or Zoom — but it’s something to keep in mind if you still need a local number for calls.

Limited Bundled Extras

Beyond the optional iOS VPN, Yesim doesn’t include many extras like voice minutes, SMS, or entertainment perks. For me, this wasn’t a big issue because I rely on messaging apps and calls via my home number, but some travellers might miss the extra features that other SIM providers include in their packages.

Device Limitations

Yesim is only compatible with devices that support eSIM technology. While this includes most modern iPhones and Android phones, older models or budget devices won’t work. This is something I had to consider when travelling with friends using older phones — they had to buy local SIMs separately.

Yesim eSIM Plans: Which Should You Choose?

One of the first things I noticed when I started using Yesim is how flexible and varied their plans are. Whether you’re hopping between cities in one country, travelling across Europe, or flying between continents, there’s usually a plan that fits your needs.

Local Yesim Plans

If you’re staying in 1 country for a few days to a month, the local plans are convenient. I tested one during a long weekend in Bangkok, and it worked perfectly — fast enough for maps, translation apps, and even a bit of streaming.

Unlimited Plans (Local):

• 1 day unlimited – USD 7.20 (USD 7.20/day)
• 7 days unlimited – USD 25.20 (USD 3.60/day)
• 15 days unlimited – USD 36.00 (USD 2.40/day)
• 30 days unlimited – USD 51.60 (USD 1.73/day)

Check out Yesim Unlimited Plans here

Prepaid Data Bundles:

• 10GB/30 days – USD 20.40 (USD 0.68/GB)
• 20GB/30 days – USD 25.20 (USD 1.26/GB)
• 30GB/30 days – USD 30.00 (USD 1.00/GB)

Check out Yesim Prepaid Plans here

During my Bangkok trip, I opted for the 7-day unlimited plan. It let me use my phone for navigation, WhatsApp calls, and even upload a few travel vlogs without worrying about hitting my limit.

That said, in smaller suburbs outside the city, I noticed speeds drop to 3G occasionally — enough to slow uploads, but still usable for messaging.

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Yesim Regional Plans

For multi-country trips, I’ve found Yesim’s regional plans invaluable.

On a recent trip through Spain, Portugal, and Italy, I didn’t have to change my eSIM once. The plan automatically connected to the strongest local network in each country, making travel days much less stressful.

Europe & UK (Unlimited):

• 1 day unlimited – USD 8.40 (USD 8.40/day)
• 7 days unlimited – USD 31.20 (USD 4.46/day)
• 15 days unlimited – USD 44.90 (USD 2.99/day)
• 30 days unlimited – USD 67.20 (USD 2.24/day)

Europe & UK (Prepaid Data Bundles):

• 500MB/day – USD 0.54 (USD 0.54/MB)
• 10GB/30 days – USD 21.60 (USD 0.72/GB)
• 20GB/30 days – USD 26.40 (USD 1.32/GB)
• 30GB/30 days – USD 33.60 (USD 1.12/GB)

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Check out Yesim Regional Plans here

What I liked

Hotspotting for my travel buddy worked perfectly in city centres, and the connection rarely dropped.

The downside

In remote villages, speeds slowed and uploading photos took longer. Still, it beats juggling multiple SIMs or buying roaming plans in each country.

Global Yesim Plans

If you’re constantly flying between continents, Yesim’s global plans are ideal. I tried one during a trip from LA to Mexico City, and then onto Lisbon.

Being able to keep the same eSIM active across all countries made life a lot simpler — no need to hunt for new local SIMs or rely on inconsistent hotel Wi-Fi.

• 5GB/30 days – USD 28.80 (USD 0.96/GB)
• 10GB/90 days – USD 46.80 (USD 0.52/GB)
• 20GB/180 days – USD 70.80 (USD 0.39/GB)
• 40GB/365 days – USD 130.80 (USD 0.33/GB)

From my experience, global plans are perfect for travellers who move fast and don’t want to spend time managing local SIMs, though heavy streaming or large file uploads require planning since data is not unlimited.

Get 10% OFF your Yesim plans with code: YESIMBELWORLD10

Check out Yesim Global Plans here

Tips For Choosing The Right Yesim Plan

Over the years, I’ve tried different eSIMs in Australia, Europe, and North America, and Yesim has consistently stood out — but picking the right plan can still be tricky if you don’t know what to look for. Here are some tips that actually make a difference:

1. Match Your Plan To Your Travel Style

It’s tempting to just pick a 30-day unlimited plan because it “sounds safe,” but think about how you actually use data. On my 2-week trip to Portugal and Spain, I chose a 20GB regional plan instead of unlimited.

Why? I knew I’d mostly use maps, WhatsApp, and a few short video uploads. It saved me nearly USD 20 compared to unlimited plans, and I never ran out of data.

Pro tip: If you’ll be doing heavy video calls or live streaming — like when I did a video tour of Kyoto’s temples — an unlimited or larger prepaid plan is worth it, even for a short trip.

2. Consider Hotspot Needs Carefully

Yesim’s hotspot mode is a lifesaver if you travel with friends or need a backup connection for a laptop. I used it during a week in London to connect my laptop for work while sightseeing. But hotspot speeds can drop if your area has weak coverage or if you share with more than one device.

Tip from experience: Stick to 1 extra device when using hotspot in smaller towns or rural areas. In the Scottish Highlands, I tried connecting both my partner’s phone and my laptop — and uploads slowed to a crawl.

3. Check Regional Or Multi-Country Options

If you’re travelling across several countries, don’t automatically buy separate local eSIMs. For example, I initially considered buying separate SIMs for France, Spain, and Italy, but switching to a regional Europe & UK plan saved me time and hassle. I didn’t have to worry about network compatibility or losing my home number while hopping between cities.

Bonus tip: Regional plans often have better cost-per-GB value than stacking multiple local plans.

4. Think About Offline Backup In Rural Or Remote Areas

Even with SwitchLess technology, coverage can vary. On a road trip through Costa Rica, Yesim worked fine in towns, but some hidden cliffs and beaches had weak signals. Because I had downloaded offline maps in advance, I didn’t get stranded or lost.

Takeaway: Always pre-download maps, important PDFs, or itinerary details for areas you know are remote. It’s a small step that prevents frustration.

5. Factor in Device Compatibility And Usage

Yesim works only on devices with eSIM support. I learned this the hard way when travelling with a friend who had an older Android phone — he had to buy a separate local SIM, while I could use Yesim across multiple countries.

Tip: Check your phone’s eSIM compatibility before booking a plan. For iOS users, the optional VPN is a bonus for secure connections, especially when using public Wi-Fi in airports or cafés.

6. Use Smaller Plans to Test A New Destination

When visiting a country for the first time, I sometimes start with a small 1-day or 3-day plan. For instance, during my first trip to Thailand, I grabbed a 1-day unlimited plan to test signal strength in Bangkok. Once I was confident it worked well, I upgraded to a 7-day plan. This strategy avoids overpaying for a plan that might not suit your location or device.

7. Align Your Plan With Your Budget and Priorities

Some trips require reliable data over speed (like navigation in dense cities), while others demand high-speed unlimited data (like vlogging or working remotely).

On my multi-city US road trip, I prioritised speed over cost — I went with a 7-day unlimited plan in New York to upload travel videos. Later, in smaller towns, I switched to a 10GB prepaid plan to save money without losing connectivity.

How To Activate And Use Yesim eSIM

Getting started with Yesim is surprisingly simple, but there are a few steps worth knowing before you travel, especially if you want to make use of hotspot sharing or travel across multiple countries.

1. Choose Your eSIM And Plan

The first step is deciding which plan suits your travel. Think about:

• Trip length: Short city break vs. long regional trip
• Data needs: Maps, messaging, streaming, hotspotting
• Destination coverage: Local, regional, or global

From my experience, I usually start by picking a plan that balances cost and flexibility. For instance, on a 10-day trip across France and Spain, a regional Europe & UK plan worked better than 2 separate local SIMs — it saved time and prevented confusion at borders.

2. Download The Yesim App

Yesim’s app is where all the action happens: purchasing plans, installing eSIMs, tracking usage, topping up data, and managing your account.

Travel tip: Download and sign in to the app before you leave home. It’s much easier than trying to do it in a foreign airport with potentially slow Wi-Fi.

3. Scan QR Code / Install eSIM

Once you purchase a plan in the app, you’ll get a QR code to activate your eSIM. Simply scan it with your phone, and the eSIM profile installs directly to your device.

I love this part — during a layover in Istanbul, I set up the eSIM in about five minutes while waiting at the gate. No queues, no SIM swaps, no confusion.

Optional: If you’re on an iOS device, you can also enable the free VPN feature for secure browsing while on public networks.

4. Set Up Hotspot (Optional)

Yesim supports hotspot sharing, which is a lifesaver for travelling with a companion or using a laptop on the go.

From personal experience, on a road trip through California, I connected my partner’s phone and my tablet to the hotspot while driving. It worked well in cities and highways, but in areas with weaker coverage, like small towns or mountain passes, speed dropped slightly. A good rule is 1 or 2 devices max for smooth performance in lower-signal areas.

5. Start Travelling And Sharing Data

Once installed, your eSIM automatically connects to the best available network using Yesim’s SwitchLess technology. This means you can cross borders or move between cities without manually adjusting settings.

A tip I’ve found useful: download offline maps and key files for remote areas. Even with SwitchLess, coverage isn’t always perfect in rural locations. Planning ahead keeps your journey stress-free.

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Yesim isn’t just about having mobile data — it’s about freedom. You can share your connection with travel companions, move across cities or countries seamlessly, and manage everything from one app.

For frequent travellers, road-trippers, or multi-country explorers, Yesim offers flexibility, convenience, and reliable coverage without the hassle of swapping SIM cards. With the right plan, your phone becomes your travel companion — letting you navigate, connect, and explore without limits.